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N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will soon start a $1.3 million project to build two roundabouts. The first will be built at Ridge Street and Carters Acres Road, with the second being built nearby at Ridge Street and Mountain View Church Road. Both roundabouts will be built by NJR Group, Inc. out of Albemarle.

Work will commence on the first roundabout June 21, opening to traffic by Aug. 9. The contractor will then build the second roundabout, finishing up by Oct. 16. Vegetation establishment can continue through April 2022.

The first roundabout detour will be posted along Kirk Road, Mountain View Church Road and Airport Road, returning to Ridge Street.

The detour for the second project will take drivers along Kirk Road, Carters Acres Road/Airport Road, Palestine Road, Northeast Connector and Ridge Street.

Roundabouts improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, according to DOT. They also help reduce the congestion and backups more typical at traditional intersections with stop signs and traffic signals.

NCDOT has produced a video showing how roundabouts work and improve overall safety.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.